News

Lord Egremont

Egremont, 61, recently joined fellow historians in pleading for more funding for the nation's heritage. As Max Egremont, his biography of Siegfried Sassoon came out to critical acclaim and the proceeds of his writing help pay for his share of the upkeep of Petworth, the family estate that has been in the hands of the National Trust since 1947. Home to some of the nation's greatest art treasures, JMW Turner stayed there for years, painting happily. Other works on the walls include Van Dycks, Holbeins and art by Reynolds. There is little liquid wealth in the family and the Egremont Charitable Trust made a profit of £67,893 on £105,247 sales in 2005-06. Should Egremont ever decide to sell, the taxman would doubtless rub his hands with glee. Cautiously, we put a £48m price tag on Egremont's assets.